Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Wanna Try Something Different? Something New?

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It’s always fun to try a new crochet technique.  Maybe the technique isn’t new to the world of crochet – but new to you, the crocheter.

I’ve scoured the internet to find a few new tricks for you.  Check these out to see if any of them inspire you to pull out your hook and try something you’ve never done before.

Cro-tatting:  My friend Vicki is an expert at this technique.  She turns out some splendid projects.  She uses a very expensive set of hooks purchased from Japan.  But, for beginners, there are more modest hooks and starter books available at craft stores and online.  Check this out to see if you might want to try this new spin on tatting:

crotatting-edging-0309

http://crochet.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=crochet&cdn=hobbies&tm=9&f=22&su=p445.92.150.ip_&tt=14&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.geocities.com/mountainhome1999/crotatbkmrk.htm

Here’s a twist on Tunisian crochet that turns out a really beautiful project that is much less complicated than it looks:

http://www.hookyarnandneedles.com/oldstuff/node/124

http://www.hookyarnandneedles.com/oldstuff/node/124

http://www.hookyarnandneedles.com/oldstuff/node/124

Another Tunisian technique is featured on this site:

http://www.angelfire.com/mi4/cinnaminn_s/moez1.html

http://www.angelfire.com/mi4/cinnaminn_s/moez1.html

Tunisian is a method of crocheting that is sometimes called Afghan Crochet, Shepherd Knit or Crochet, and other names.  It has the benefit of creating a fabric that drapes well and more closely resembles knitting than any other crochet technique with which I’m familiar.  Kim Guzman has a lot of information about Tunisian on her website:

http://kimguzman.wordpress.com/

Come back next time for more information on ‘new’ techniques you might want to try!

Comments

  1. I have two methods of crochet that I “invented.” I have had dishcloth pattern published using my techniques in Quick and Easy crochet. The patterns are copyrighted but not the stitches. I would like to share my techniques but do not have a website. Are you interested in learnng them? One is the decco or dcco stitch. The other is the twisted dc stitch. Both stitches give the crochet fabric the feel and drape of knitting.
    Linda D.

  2. hi linda,
    i’d love to see your stitches. i’m sure many would love to see them. how would you present them on the blog? if they’re very
    intricate, they’d need to be on something like youtube. however, good illustrations – pictures or drawings – can be very instructional.
    please email me at:
    [email protected]

    jd

Have you read?

The Pancake Market Bag – Free Crochet Pattern

Looking for a lightweight, stylish, and oh-so-practical tote to take with you everywhere this season? The Pancake Crochet Market Bag might just become your go-to favorite. Whether you’re heading to the farmers market to grab some fresh produce, packing snacks and sunscreen for a relaxed summer stroll, or dashing out the door for a quick last-minute errand, this bag is ready to tag along.

It’s surprisingly roomy—big enough to carry all your essentials (and then some!)—yet it folds up small enough to tuck into your car or coat closet without fuss. The openwork stitch gives it a breathable, airy texture that’s super satisfying to crochet and even more delightful to carry. Plus, it’s endlessly reusable and eco-friendly, so you can ditch the plastic and feel great about your handiwork.

I stitched mine up using a warm mustard cotton I had on hand (a little stash buster win!), but honestly, this pattern would look beautiful in just about any color. Try a bold berry for a pop of personality, a classic cream for a minimalist vibe, or even stripes if you’re feeling playful. Once you’ve made one… fair warning: you’ll probably want to make more!

Let’s dive into the pattern!

 What You’ll Need:

 Finished Measurements:

  • Approximately 15” wide x 13” tall (not including handles) 

 Stitch Abbreviations (US terms):

  • ch – chain 
  • sc – single crochet 
  • dc – double crochet 
  • sl st – slip stitch 
  • st(s) – stitch(es) 
  • sk – skip 
  • rep – repeat 

 Special Notes:

  • The base is worked in joined rounds. 
  • The body of the bag is stitched in the round, but you won’t be joining after each round—just keep going in a spiral and use a stitch marker to track the first stitch. 
  • The handles are created by chaining across stitches, then the final edge is reinforced. 

 Let’s Crochet the Base:

Round 1: Begin with a magic circle, ch 1. Work 8 sc into the ring. Pull it tight and join to the first sc with a sl st. (8 sts)
 Round 2: Ch 1, make 2 sc in each st around. Join. (16 sts)
 Round 3: Ch 1, sc in first, 2 sc in next—repeat from * to * around. Join. (24 sts)
 Round 4: Ch 1, sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next—repeat around. Join. (32 sts)
 Round 5: Ch 1, sc in next 3, 2 sc in next—repeat. Join. (40 sts)
 Keep increasing in this manner, adding one more sc between increases each round until you reach 80 sts (about Round 9).

 Build the Bag Body:

Now switch to working in continuous rounds.

Rounds 10–13: sc in each st around. (80 sts)
 Round 14: [dc in next, ch 1, sk 1]—repeat around. (approx. 80 sts depending on exact starting point)
 Round 15: dc in ch-space, ch 1—repeat.
 Rounds 16–25: Repeat Round 15.

Alternate a few more rounds of single crochet with rounds of [dc, ch 1] to build height and texture. Keep going until the bag measures about 12–13” tall from the center of the base.

 Add the Handles:

Next Round (handle setup):

  • sc in next 12 sts 
  • ch 30 (for handle), sk 15 sts 
  • sc in next 25 sts 
  • ch 30, sk 15 sts 
  • sc to end of round. 

Final Round: sc around, placing 1 sc in each sc and 1 sc in each ch across the handle chains. This gives the straps some strength and a nice finish.

Fasten off and weave in all ends. Give your bag a little stretch or light steam block if needed.

 Tips:

  • Cotton yarn gives the bag structure and durability. 
  • You can easily size up the bag by adding more rounds to the base before beginning the body. 
  • Try using multicolor yarn for a fun summer vibe.